Wednesday Spotlight with Toni Sweeney

Hello and welcome to Wednesday Spotlight! My special guest today is author Toni Sweeney. Toni writes science fiction/fantasy/horror. Today, Toni is here to chat with us about Spacedog’s Best Friend, a young adult fiction that debuted as her opening novel.

But before we meet this interesting and versatile woman, here is a little about Toni, followed by a blurb and excerpt from her book.

Toni Sweeney was born in the state of Georgia (afterward called the state of Confusion) after the War between the States but before the Gulf War and her arrival was more devastating to the countryside than the War had been. Though an accident-prone klutz, she has managed to survive into her second century. Being a child on the cusp of
the Seventies, she did her best to become a Southern Belle a la Scarlett O’Hara but instead evolved into a modern Alice chasing after the White Rabbit with more than one run-in with the Cheshire Cat and Wonderland’s other slighty-mad inhabitants along the way. After a period of minor trauma centering around marriage, motherhood, and divorce, she was involved in an automobile accident which began her writing career during an extended convalescence. Since her recovery, she can’t seem to stay in place for more than a couple of decades, and has survived hurricanes in the South, tornados and snow-covered winters in the Midwest, and earthquakes, forest fires, and Santa Ana winds in California. A dare from a co-worker attributed to her
becoming published.

In her Southern youth, Toni was a member of the Children of the Confederacy and as
an adult has been associated with the South Coast Writer's Association of Orange
County, California, the Pink Fuzzy Slipper Writers website, myspace, Facebook, and
YouTube. She presently has numerous novels in publication, as well as several short
stories featured in magazines, online, and on amazon.com/Shorts. A few years ago,
Toni suffered a split of literary personalities and now writes science fiction/fantasy/horror
under her own name, and romances using the pseudonym Icy Snow Blackstone. This name
originally belonged to her great-great-great-great-grandmother until it was appropriated
for a greater cause. So far, the original Icy Snow hasn’t objected.

This year, at the insistence of her family, Toni returned to Nebraska. She has a
son who is a math teacher, and a 7-year-old granddaughter and a 16-year-old grandson.

Though she loves animals, especially the small, fuzzy kind, and once owned five minia ture poodles at once as well as a cat who survived by convincing the dogs he w as one of them, this is the first time she’s been without a companion animal to keep her company.

Before her auto accident, she was an accomplished horsewoman and owned her own horses, as well as being a dancer, having studied with a pupil of the famous dancer Isadora Duncan. She was also active in college and local theatrical groups and was awarded a membership in Alpha Psi Omega, the national honorary drama fraternity, for her work while attending Mercer University.

All in all—as difficult as it is to believe--Toni is a very shy person, and getting this biography out of her was the equivalent of pulling the proverbial eyeteeth.

Blurb:
Spacedog’s Best Friend

For a graduation gift, teenager Jenny Halpen is given a space cruise by her indulgent uncle. Everything is going smoothly until the ship sails into an asteroid shower and the passengers have to abandon ship. Jenny finds herself in an escape pod with three miniature poodles owned by one of the other passengers.

When they land on an uninhabited planet, the automatic distress signal goes off and Jenny settles down with the three furry castaways to wait for a rescue ship. She falls asleep, and...

EXCERPT:

A Jenny awoke, she couldn’t remember where she was, and she looked around the cabin with puzzlement.Slowly, as her memory returned, she sighed and closed her eyes again.

The night noises had stopped. Everything was so peaceful and...quiet....

Quiet?

Her eyes came open again and she sat up quickly, spilling the little dog in her lap onto the floor, where he landed with a thump and an indignant yelp.

“Omigosh! The signal! It stopped! What happened?”

She knelt by the machine, studying it frantically. Surely, there was some button...knob...switch...which would restart the signal. Her eyes swept over the smooth metal surface. Nothing--not even a word of print marred its gray veneer. She tapped the front and sides with one knuckle. “Come on, come on! Beep! Buzz! Do something! You can’t be broken! Why did you break down? Why?”

Something touched her arm. Something cold. The little white dog was pushing at her arm with his nose, looking up at her with anxious brown eyes. She pushed him away.

“Quit that! Can’t you see this is serious? No, of course you don’t! Oh, why couldn’t I have been marooned with a ‘droid or something? At least, it would be able to talk to me! Why did it have to be a bunch of dogs?”

Stranded. No clothes. No company. A tear trickled down her cheek. Here lies Jenny Halpen, Castaway.

A second tear followed the first, then another, and another.The dam burst.Face against her arms, she leaned against the seat of the nearest passenger chair, shoulders shaking. For a few minutes, only the sound of Jenny’s sobs broke the silence in the pod.

Don’t cry, Jenny.

The tears continued, wracking and heart-breaking.

Jenny?

Jenny....

Startled, Jenny stopped in mid-cry. Had she really heard someone call her name?

Don’t cry.

Stifling the last sob into a hiccough, she forced herself to be quiet. She had heard someone.

We’ll talk to you, Jenny--if that’s what you want.

“Wh-where are you?” She looked around quickly, as if expecting to see someone emerge from one of the other seats.

Right here. Where we’ve always been.

“Where? I can’t see you. Come out!”

We’re already out!

Quickly, she stood up. “But-- Where?”

Outside. That’s it. Another escape pod.

The little white dog immediately threw himself into her path, and when she dodged, jumped in front of her again so she nearly tripped over him in her haste to get to the door of the pod.

“Move, you stupid animal! Can’t you hear! There’s someone outside!”

Desperately, she picked him and tossed him out of the way. He landed against the signal box with a thud. She was at the door fumbling with the wheel-lock when the voice spoke again.

Stupid animal? Well, I like that! If that’s the way you feel, we’ll just leave you alone!

Hand on the wheel, she stopped, turning slowly to look back into the pod. The three little animals were sitting in the center of the aisle, the little white dog rubbed its head with the back of one paw.

That hurt!

Staring at the three of them, Jenny took a hesitant step forward.“If I didn’t know better, I’d swear that you just told me your head hurt,” she said to the white dog.

I did.

Jenny laughed, a nervous disbelieving laugh, with more than a twinge of hysteria in it. “Oh, no--that does it! My mind’s winged out! Dogs...talking...marooned...the shock of it all....”

What’s she talking about? a new voice asked.

The little white dog wiggled its shoulders in something resembling a shrug.

Something about her mind flying away.

“I’m losing my mind...no, I’ve lost it...zoom...gone!”

See? She says she’s lost it

We’ll help you find it, Jenny. What does it look like?

You know, all pink and squishy.

“Hold it! Hold it!” Jenny shouted. Three pairs of eyes turned toward her.

Silence.

“Is this really true? Can you dogs, er--people--can you talk?” She stopped, threw her hands into the air. “What am I doing, asking these animals if they can talk?”

Well, began a new voice, more mature and calmer than the others. We call it mind-talk. We don’t have to use our mouths. It’s a lot less strenuous that way.

Helps when you’ve got a mouthful, too, the little white dog chimed in. At least, she guessed it was he.

We were afraid-- that escape flight was pretty nerve-wracking, you must admit, and then-- Well, how did you react when Coni spoke to you?

“Wait a minute!” Jenny interrupted. “I’ve got to sit down.” And she did so. She had to. Her legs wouldn’t hold her up any longer. “They talk!” she said to herself. “They really talk!”

Sharon: Let’s have a warm welcome for Toni Sweeney!

The sky turns as dark as midnight. Then in the distance, a spaceship appears, flashing like a beacon in the night. It comes closer, neon lights flashing, making a smoo th descent on stage. With a slight thud, the door opens and Toni pops out, followed by three miniature poodles.

Thunderous applause explodes through cyber space as Sharon greets her guest with a warm embrace. Talk about a smooth landing! Sharon leans down to pet the pooches. So how are you, Toni? And how about these little darlings?

Toni: The landing may have been smooth but there were a few close calls with asteroids along the way. Luckily th ey were the peas-sized kind. The pups got a little anxious, though. (leans down to pet a fuzzy cream-color mop who just happens to be wearing a spike-studded color and an armored doggy-sweater.) Didn’t you, Conan? (he yips indignantly) Sorry, he says the girls did, but not he. Warriors aren’t afraid of peas.

Sharon: Grins broadly at Conan’s response. But of course! Well, after that l ong trip through space, I’ll bet you’re ready for refreshments. Oh, Oliver, do bring us cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, please.

Oliver struts out singing and swooning, balancing a sterling silver tray a top his head. With eyes for Toni, he places down the tray and hands her a Fuzzy Navel. Taking her hand in his, he sings the words, “Georgia on my Mind.” With a wicked wink, he kisses her hand and presents a dish of roasted and salted peanuts, pecans and cashew mix. He feeds doggy biscuits to the hovering poodles. He clears his throat. If I might be so bold as to ask for your autograph, Ms. Sweeney…and a ride in your spaceship?

Toni: Oliver, after that song, you can ride with me anywhere! (Digs in her backpack for a pen and signs a napkin for him with a flourish) But do me a favor—and don’t sing it again or you’ll have me crying into my navel! My Fuzzy Navel, that is. And do you have a hankie I can borrow? I think your crooning’s activated my tear ducts just a tad. (Sniffles loudly)

Oliver produces a crisp white hanky and presents it to Toni with a smile.

Sharon: Oliver, did you forget about my glass of perfectly chilled white wine? But Oliver ignores her and races off to the spaceship, a gleam in his eye.

Sharon: Good help is so hard to find. Now, Toni, let’s chat about these little darlings. Sharon pats each of the miniature poodles’ heads. Your own poodles planted the seed in your brain to write this novel. It isn’t often when a rejection letter leads to a contract in two weeks. I love the story you told me. Can you share with readers how Spacedog’s Best Friend came to be?

Toni: At the time the story was written, I had three poodles. Conan the Barbarian, Amber (aka PrincessNAmber), and Crissy (aka Dark Crystal). As some sci-fi readers will notice, they’re all named for f airly well-known science fiction tales. I used to make up stories about them to tell my son, and when the call came from Blue Bird Book asking if I had a YA novel, I fibbed a little and told them I did and sent them a synopsis of the tales I had told JL about the doggies. Actually I didn’t have a story in sight but they called my bluff and asked for the entire manuscript. You never saw such scrambling around in your life! I wrote it in two weeks on my electric typewriter (this was pre-computer) and sent it in and received an acceptance letter a week later.

Sharon: Now that’s what I call thinking on your feet. Sharon gives the trio the high five and more treats as they grin their doggy grins. I love it. Let’s have a nice round of applause for the hero and heroine, Conan, Amber and Crissy. The poodles puff out their chests and take a bow. Then they smile as one.

Sharon: Did they just say what I think they said? They can really speak?

Toni: Actually, they’re telepathic. It’s easier than speaking and they can do it with their mouths full and not be rude.

Sharon: Ah, the wonderful world of fiction. I’ve never tried my hand at children’s novels. Have you written any other books in this genre?

Toni: Not a one. I have another fragment about the pups but it’s told from an adult point of view and was a bit of therapy after Amber went to that Great Playground in the Sky so I wrote it and just left it. Later, I wrote a couple of fairy tales for my grandson and I have another fragment called the Search for Prince Sandy which I may some day get around to finishing. It involves two young people who share an adventure in another dimension while both are comatose in a hospital in this dimension.

Sharon: Oh, I hope so. I’m sure they will be best-sellers. So how did you feel when you got your first contract? Did you bathe in the after glow for a while or did you get right back in the saddle and start on your next novel?

Toni: Oh I ran around telling everyone I could think of…the media…my friends…relatives…strangers on the street. I worked that phrase into every conversation I had. surprisingly, the media wasn’t impressed and neither were my relatives…though my friends and even a few strangers were.

Sharon: LOL I know the feeling! You must have an incredible imagination to have come up with such a heart-warming story for kids. Tell us about your imagination. Does it work overtime or do you have to prompt your creative muse to come and play?

Toni: Up until 2000, I was a “writin’ fool.” Between 1975 and 1994, I turned out thirty novels, one right after the other and a good many of those have already been published or contracted. Then, in 2000, someth ing terrible happened in my life and my writing abruptly stopped. I read somewhere that people with severe mental problems have these periods of almost violent creativity, so I can only conclude that I was in such a period and that one event brought me back to sanity. Compared to before, my output can now be compared to a leaky water faucet where before it was a raging river. (smiles slightly and sadly) Sorry didn’t mean to get so morbid.

Sharon: I think you are simply remarkable! Now Toni, you have done so much with your life I stand in awe of you. Tell us about your days as a dancer and your days in the theater.

Toni: First let me say, I stand in awe of you, Sharon. I have cataracts and my sight is limited but I’m assured some day it can be repaired, while you… Well, I applaud your courage. As to my dancing… Tere’s not so much to tell. My teacher was a wonderful lady named Gertrude Kelley who had studied under Eleanora Duse and Isadora Duncan. I know a lot of people today won’t recognize those names but believe me, they were innovators of dance in their day—which was in the early years of the 20th Century. Rfeal Free Spirits. There was even a movie called Isadora which I believed starred Vanessa Redgrave. Anyway, I studied ballet, tap, and acrobatic dancing. You may not believe it but I was once so limber it took me six months to learn to stand on my head. I used to be able to be able to lie on my stomach on the floor, raise my legs and put my toes under my chin—Warning! Do not try this at home! I was a dancer in two separate productions of Oklahoma! and as well as being in Kiss Me Kate. I was also in some non-musical plays such as The Crucible, the Cave Dwellers, and JB. In fact, I met my ex-husband in the theater. He was starring in Inherit the Wind at the time, and it was a typical two-actors-in-the-same-household-type marriage…a disaster from the words “I do.”

Sharon: First of all, thank you for the complment, Toni. We all have our personal demons to conquer and do wha t we can to keep on going. But today is all about you and allow me to say I am indeed honored to have such a star sitting with me today. You are amazing! Believe you me, I was never what you would call coordinated and the thought of doing half the things you did leave me speechless! Standing on your head?And do what with your feet and chin ?Wow and double wow! And you were awarded a membership to Alpha Psi Omega. Congratulations. Tell us about that.

Toni: Membership is awarded for outstanding work done in drama. To be considered, one has to participate in all areas. My contributions were in acting, costume design, make-up, and stage managing. I also took several courses in drama and music as part of my major. (looks nostalgic) Ah, I remember it well… (looks off into the distance) I was stage-managing a double-bill—the World of Carl Sandburg and No Exit, for which I designed the programs, by the way—and afterward as the cast was taking their curtain calls, they called me onto the stage, presented me with a bouquet of red roses, and announced to the audience I’d been tapped for membership. I got a certificate and lots of congratulations. Still have it somewhere.

Thunderous applause explodes from the audience and Tonie stands and takes a sweeping bow. The telepathic poodles appear with the certificate and hand it to their mistress. Toni tears up and the wee ones take equally gracious bows.

Sharon: Clasps her hands together in adoration. What troopers! (leans over and bestows a crown on Conan’s head and a jeweled tiera on both Amber and Crissy) More applause crackles through cyberspace.

Sharon: And like me, along with dogs, you love cats and horses. You owned your own horses and were once an accomplished horsewoman. I would love to hear about your riding days.

Toni: I got my first horse when I was 9 and several months later was stricken with appendicitis and couldn’t ride for six months. That was torture! I also have that first horse (he was a S hetland-Morgan cross named Nipper because he had a tendency to bite) partly to thank for my back problems. The first time I got on him, he threw me! (grimaces) He wasn’t wearing a saddle, hadn’t ever been ridden before in fact, and tossed me right on my rear! My other horse, a strawberry roan, was a little more gentle. I got her when she was less than a year old. I used to saddle a horse, put a lunch in my saddlebag and disappear for the entire day, riding the hills, pastures, and swamps of my grandfather’s farm, spinning adventure stories in my head as I went. My faithful ol’ horse and I had more Old West adventures in those Georgia backwoods.

Sharon: How I can relate. Dancer threw me for a loop and I got right back on. Unfortunately, I’ve had other horses make me look the fool, but that’s another

story. Now let’s talk about your pen name. I love the name Icy Snow Blackstone, the pseudonym you write under. Now this name belonged to your great-great-great-great grandmother. Tell us about that.

Toni: Icy Snow was born in north Georgia where her father, the Reverend John Blackstone was active in local politics. He was an English émigré and I believe she was born around 1802. She married a minister and one of her children, my great-great-great-grandfather, was also a minister. The minute I heard her name I thought it sounded as if it should belong to a romance writer so when I started writing romances, I decided to use it. Icy Snow had seven or eight children and there’s even a website about her. One of her other descendants got in touch with me after seeing her name online and we discovered we lived in the same town in Georgia and never knew it. We’re something like fourth or fifth cousins, I think.

Sharon: I love it and find that entire history so fascinating! Oh here comes Oliver with dessert. With a sweeping bow, Oliver presents his culinary delight, a sinfully rich black cherry devil’s food cake with a hue dollop of peach ice cream on top. He feeds Toni a bite and waits. And while he’s waiting for her eyes to stop glazing over in ecstasy, he feeds more treats to the pooches.

Sharon: Oliver, did you forget about me, your boss, the woman who pays you? But Oliver turns his gaze to Toni.

Toni: Thank you, Oliver. You’re a man after my own heart—or any other body part, too. If you ever decide to leave Sharon’s employ, I imagine I can find a spot for you in my kitchen…or den…or some other room in the house.

Oliver dances with delight, blushes a deep crimson red and passes out cold. The pooches circle him and Conan tells him to wise up and take it like a man. Oliver struts off, his heart all a flutter.

Sharon: Well, now it’s time for my favorite question. Irish and superstitious, I love to collect legends and lore and traditions from my guests. Can you share a favorite with me?

Toni: Oh, I have quite a few. From the theatre: one never speaks of a role one wants until the casting list has been announced, and the title of one of Shakespeare’s plays is never spoken backstage. It’s always called the Scottish Play. (I imagine you can figure out which one I mean)

My own particular stage custom was on opening night to wear a ring my dance teacher gave me. There are plenty of Southern superstitions, of course…right hand itches, you’ll get money, left hand itches, you’ll spend it; if your tongue is sore, you’ve been telling lies; see a cardinal, make a wish. I have a rather morbid little superstition of my own: Always say goodbye. Several times in my life, I’ve left someone and not told them goodbye and I’ve never seen them again, so whenever I leave anyone, I always tell them goodbye, even though I may only be gone for a few minutes. If I don’t get to say it for some reason, I will worry until I actually see them again.

Sharon: Oh, Toni, you are a woman after my own heart! I adore all superstitions and those are some I will certainly add to my favorites. And that brings us to the end of our interview. And to my final three questions. If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be and why? If you could star in any literary fiction, which would it be and why? And last but not least, who would you want playing your romantic hero?

Toni: Now you’ve given me questions I’ll have a most difficult time answering. I have a lot ofplaces I’d like to visit…London…Honolulu…and live…for a while, but I’d really like to have a permanent home either on one of the Golden Isles off the coast of Georgia or in the writers’ colony at Laguna Beach, CA. If I could be any literary heroine, I’d like to be my own Andrea Talltrees from the Sinbad series. I put a lot of myself into Andi and I’d totally love to have a man like Sinbad! As for who would star as my “hero”…Travis Fimmel would be okay…or Brad Pitt in Achilles-mode…or…Oliver…he’s a good contender, too! (blows a kiss at him)

Sharon: Thank you for being such a wonderful guest. It’s been a pleasure. I wish you and the little darlings a pleasant voyage through space. Sharon gives them each a parting biscuit and a pat on the head. Come back again, Toni.

Toni: Thank you for having me, Sharon, and tell Oliver goodbye, also!

Spacedog’s Best Friend
Available at:
http://www.amazon.com/ To read about Toni Sweeney and her other books available, visit her at:
http://www.tonivsweeney.com/; http://www.leucrotapress.com/; www.double-dragon-ebooks.com/

Contest for Grand Opening of Author Roast and Toast

Hello Bloggers! For those of you participating in the GrandOpening of the Author Roast and Toast, here is my contest. I am offering a download of my book The Claddagh Ring to one lucky blogger. Here is what you need do to be entered in the contest:

Do a search for
What’s in a gemstone
Please answer this question and one commenter will win a copy of The Claddagh Ring—a book for those who believe in legend and lore.
What stone ranges in color from deep purple to light lilac to lavender and mauve and has been known to ward off drunkedness? Wink wink snort snort and good luck

Wednesday Spotlight with Ashley Ludwig

Hello and welcome to Wednesday Spotlight! Today my special guest is friend and fellow white rose author Ashley Ludwig. Ashley is here to chat about her book All or Nothing.

Here is a blurb and excerpt:


A young widow starting over nearly dies on the perilous, winding road to Tucson, Arizona in 1876.

An accident turns out to be a cover-up for a heinous crime at the hand of a murderous bandit. Robbed and left for dead, all that remains for RuthAnne Newcomb is her faith, and the talents God gave her. She needs both to endure the handsome, vengeful cavalry captain who saved her life.

Captain Bowen Shepherd offers aid in exchange for information leading to the criminal’s capture. El Tejano, as the bandit is known, is bound to strike again and RuthAnne is the only living witness to his crimes. Left with nothing but her savvy and unwavering faith, RuthAnne is forced to return to the scene and help with the intolerable soldier’s quest.

Already, the criminal is after the lone witness who can destroy him. Bowen and RuthAnne must risk everything to unmask the bandit once and for all, before he can strike again at the one who cost him the most. Will their newfound love, or their lives, be the cost of bringing a murderer to justice?

Excerpt:

All or Nothing
By Ashley Ludwig

Print ISBN 1-60154-561-4

_______________________

“Mara!” Her voice choked; the raspy words burned like fire.

She searched the scene on hands and knees in the silver moonlight. Lord, not Mara. Where is she? She’s just a girl...please!

Footsteps crunched on the gravel-filled dirt. Nowhere to hide, RuthAnne willed herself invisible. Her hand closed around a fist-sized rock. The bandit wouldn’t take her without a fight.

He knelt down beside her. A large, rough hand cupped her cheek in an all too familiar way. “You’re awake. Thank God.”

With a ragged battle cry, RuthAnne lunged at her would-be attacker with the stone, cracking him just above the shoulder. He shied away from the blow, and the lump of granite glanced off him. With little effort, he peeled it from her fingers. “You’re coming with me, whether you like it or not.”

The brigand picked her up like a child and marched her off to her doom. Terrified, she fought and bucked while he carried her. Tears of frustration streamed down her face; her hair, a mass of golden curls, tumbled loose about her as she thrashed in his arms. RuthAnne hammered at him with ineffectual fists. He carried her so easily, as if she were feather light, though he did pin her arms close against her body.

“I’m not going to hurt you. I’m here to help.”

Sharon: Yells into the speaker over the rip roaring waves of the Pacific. Hey, Ash! Come sit here under the umbrella table. It’s time for your interview. Here comes the crew. Lights camera action!

Ashley struts along the coppery beach, bucket of shells in hand, waving madly to her fans. Music from Colbie Calait’s Coco blasts from the speakers.

Sharon and Ashley exchange hugs and scoot down into festive tiki lounge chairs, both wearing their designer shades.

Sharon: Oh this sun feels wonderful, Ash. And look who I brought with me. Why it’s my butler, Oliver with refreshments.


Oliver struts out in his spanking new fluorescent lime green speedos and Gucci sun glasses. With a winning smile, he balances a silver tray above his head. He winks wildly at Ashley and sets the coffee, lemonade and pitcher of ice water on the umbrella table. Then he places the basket of salsa and chips directly in front of Ashley and treats her to a sweeping bow. May I pour you a drink, Ms. Ludwig?

Ashley: Ooh, yes, Oliver. Let’s forgo coffee for lemonade. Did you make the salsa yourself? You look, I mean it looks delicious…

Sharon: Ah…Oliver…I wouldn’t mind you pouring me a nice cup of your gourmet blend. Oliver? And I don’t believe I can reach the chips all the way on the other side of the table.

But Oliver shuffles nervously, kicks his feet in the sand and stammers, May I be so bold as to ask for your autograph, Ms. Ashley?

Ashley: *giggling* Of course, Oliver. Anything for you *wink* (aside to Sharon) I’m still not used to people wanting me to give autographs. This still feels so completely surreal!

Sharon: So now that we’re settled and Oliver has gone surfing until I call him for dessert, shall we begin our interview? All or Nothing draws us in, right from the beginning. It has everything I look for in a book, an enticing hook and an intriguing aura. Tell us about this book. The characters? The setting? The main storyline?

Ashley: All or Nothing is actually one part of the first novel I ever completed. Fresh out of college, full of unbridled enthusiasm, I spent afternoons traipsing around the adobe ruins of Fort Lowell in Tucson, Arizona—daydreaming about the soldiers and people who used to live there. That museum curator answered all of my questions and then some, introducing me to the Fort Laundresses, who had to keep up with all the soldiers in some pretty horrible conditions. So, the fort and the army laundry seemed like a wonderful place to store RuthAnne while she and Bowen were hunting for the rogue bandit roaming the Arizona mountain roads!

Sharon: I love the name Bowen. How do you go about choosing names for your hero and heroine? Do you go back and forth like choosing baby names or do your characters demand certain names as their birthright?

Ashley: Well, this story’s inspiration stemmed from the Book of Ruth. RuthAnne, Mara, and Bowen (rather than Boaz) all grew from there. My characters tend to whisper their names in my ears while I’m figuring out their character traits. Sometimes I change them, but mostly the first time is the charm!

Sharon: All or Nothing has a bit of suspense in it, a bit of mystery, and obviously a lot of romance and faith. And it’s classified as a Historical, Inspirational Romance. Do you find it difficult to blend these all into one specific genre?

Ashley: *covering mouth not to spit out lemonade* Oh, Sharon! *laughs* I honestly never thought about it that way. My favorite stories are not just the romance, but creating a plot where my hero and heroine work together to uncover some sort of truth. In this case, a mystery. The suspense builds their relationship, and together they come to a deeper understanding of their respective faith. I love to see if they can work as a team. Life is about more than just falling in love, after all.

Sharon: Now let’s talk about reviews. LASR gave All or Nothing 5 books. Awesome. Congratulations! Can you describe the feelings a rave and glowing review evoke in you?

Ashley: I was floored. Really. When I saw that, my husband had to pick me up off of the floor by the computer. Then, we all danced around—including the children, though they weren’t quite sure what we were dancing for! I swear, I don’t think I could have been more excited if I’d found out I was a New York Times Bestseller!

Sharon: Now Ashley, is there a genre you would like to experiment with that you haven’t tried before? And if so, what is it and why would you like to venture into that genre?

Ashley: Funny that you mention that. Hmm. I’m out of lemonade. Where is Oliver? *scans horizon to see Oliver shooting the tube – pours own glass*

My current work in progress is a contemporary Action/Adventure Romance – staring a marine archaeologist on the trail of a historic mystery! I love reading adventures and of course am a huge Indiana Jones fan—having been an archaeologist myself—so, having a character capable of following historic clues, balancing science and faith, it’s all very exciting to figure out.

Sharon: Do the characters you create stay with you long after they’ve played their roles or do you think about them even when you are creating new characters?

Ashley: I do think about them. Their voices are locked in my head—in fact, I think that I heard Bowen and RuthAnne having a discussion about the children this morning. (Theirs, not mine!) Anyway, I think I’ll keep the Shepherd family in all of my novel-length stories for awhile. I like the idea of following one family through history, and maintaining their legacy as lives are touched from the old West to contemporary.

Sharon: Oh, here comes Oliver, all sopping wet from his swim and surf. And he’s carting a tray of chocolate dipped strawberries, rolled in raw sugar.

Oliver presents them, whispers to Ashley that he double dipped them just for her.

Ashley: *squee!* Oh, Oliver. You do know the way to a lady’s heart, don’t you? *bats eyelashes and takes a big bite*

Oliver clasps hands to heart and passes out in the sand. Two bikini-clad blondes rush to the rescue to revive him with mouth to mouth. Oliver comes around grinning, blowing kisses to Ashley as he rushes off to surf with the babes.

Sharon: Must be those lime green speedos. So what’s next for you, Ash? What are you working on?

Ashley: I’m elbows deep in my current Work in Progress. Sapphire Tears (working title) follows Chandra Drake, a pragmatic science-minded Archaeologist. Her hero, Troy Shepherd, is a real-to-life-hero. He operates by faith and instinct, and takes on almost more than he can handle with protecting Chandra on their quest. The story starts out in Washington, and globe hops to Mexico, and ultimately Arizona. I’m having loads of fun with the plot, and am about 30,000 words from the finish line!

Sharon: Now let’s talk about you. How does Ashley Ludwig keep it all together? You have a family, young children, a job and you write. Where and how do you fit it all in?

Ashley: Well, I don’t sleep. Seriously, I either get up very early or stay up long past everyone else’s bedtime. I do my best to take weekends off from promoting, or social networking. Thankfully, my husband is incredibly supportive of my writing, and loves taking the girls to the pool, the park, or on adventures to give me time when I need it.

Sharon: What is your favorite time of the day and why?

Ashley: I love sunsets by the ocean. On a day like today, when you can stroll to the end of the pier, grab a hot cocoa, and watch for the green flash as the sun dips below the horizon. It just doesn’t get any better than that.

Sharon: Tell readers about your archaeologist background.

Ashley: I graduated with my B.S. in Archaeology from the University of Arizona. After college, I worked for an environmental company for a few years, surveying and excavating across the Southwest. Priceless experience.

Sharon: And you obviously love the beach and digging for seashells. What is your prize shell and where did you find it?

Ashley: We just unpacked a box of seashells that my husband and I collected off the gulf of California from before we were married. I made a lovely menagerie of the collection and displayed it on a table over some antique lace.

Sharon: You are so creative! Oh, dear, here comes Oliver. With a mischievous grin, Oliver bee bops to the music, snapping his fingers. He grabs Ashley and twirls her around in the sand, belting the lyrics to the Colbie Calait song.

Sharon: All right, Oliver, you’ve had your fun. Now go take a swim while I wrap up my interview with Ms. Ludwig.

Oliver blows kisses as he picks up his surf.

Sharon: He loves the beach and I dare say, I’ve created a monster. So that brings us to the end of our interview. But before we go, I have a few questions I simply must ask. I adore superstitions. Do you have any and if so, do share one or two of your favorites.

Ashley: I just love that about you! I’m superstitious, too. Maybe it’s that creative mind working over time, but I won’t walk under a ladder. I have rosemary growing by my garden gate, and lavender planted for luck. I don’t leave my purse on the floor, for fear of wasting my fortune, and I give a jade plant to all of my friends, for good karma. Covering all my bases!

Sharon: I love them! And every time I ask that question, I hear a superstition I have never heard before. And I’ll cherish my jade plant from you. Thank you, Ash. And finally, my three questions. If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be and why? If you could be the leading lady in any literary fiction, which would it be and why? And last but not least, who would you want playing your romantic hero?

Ashley: Anywhere in the world? Dare I say, I’d live right here in Temecula wine country, and keep a little beach bungalow for weekends. Does that count?

A leading lady in literary fiction? Hmmm. That’s tougher. How about Katherine, AFTER she’s had her way with Petruchio in Taming of the Shrew?

And, if I were to choose someone to play Bowen Shepherd? I’d have to select Josh Holloway—who plays Sawyer on Lost. Yes. He’s my Bowen.

Sharon: Thank you so much, Ash. This has been so much fun and I love being on location. Can you tell readers where they can buy All or Nothing as well as all your books? And where can readers and fans reach you?

Ashley: Thanks so much for having me, and coming all the way out here to California! Please tell me you have Josh Holloway stashed somewhere…or is that him I see, strolling, shirtless, down the beach?

Oh—and All or Nothing is available in print at Barnes & Noble, Amazon.com, and from my publisher—White Rose Publishing. The links are all available on my web site: www.ashleyludwig.com

Sharon: LOL Sorry, Ashley. You’ll have to settle for the shirtless and very sun burnt Oliver! BTW, did I mention he no longer wishes to be referred to as my butler? He’s demanding to be called “Cabana Boy” and is certainly trying my patience. A group of pretty California girls encircle Oliver. Cabana Boy beams brilliantly and pops a beer and guzzles it down.

Thunderous applause explodes over the waves as Ashley waves good bye to her adoring fans.

Oliver: Ashley, come join us over here! Cabana Boy is about to sing a few Beach Boy hits! I’m diggin’ California. Will you hire me to be your Cabana Boy? Please. I wanna stay!!

Ashley: *Blows kiss to Oliver* You go on and play with the beach bunnies. Sharon and I have lots of catching up to do! I think maybe some friends will come join us?

Please listen to a bit of Jason Mraz, while we watch the sunset... My compliments, Sharon! ...

~Ashley

AUTHOR ROAST AND TOAST

COMING SOON TO A BLOG NEAR YOU!

Get yourselves a big tub of buttered popcorn and get ready to scream with laughter! I have exciting news for authors looking for a new and zany way to promote new releases. Remember the Book Roast? Well, sadly, they closed their doors a few months back. But never fear, four friends and myself have decided to reincarnate it under a new name. You are cordially invited to attend the Grand Opening!

PLACE: http://authorroastandtoast.blogspot.com

DATE: AUGUST 28, 2009

TIME: 9 AM TO 4 PM

DEBUT AUTHOR ROASTEE: DANIELLE THORNE

TYPE OF ROAST: IT’S ZAYNY! IT’S UNIQUE! IT’S THE AUTHOR ROAST AND TOAST!

WHAT TO EXPECT:

FIVE HOSTESSES TO ENTERTAIN YOU!
A SEXY AND FLIRTATIOUS CYBER BUTLER TO SERVE COCKTAILS!
LEMONADE WITH A DASH OF SOUTHERN-STYLE RECIPE!
HERBS FOR EVERYTHING UNDER THE SUN!
TWO CUTE AND CUDDLY MASCOTS!

RULES: COME READ THEM AT THE BLOG!
WHO SET THEM? WHY OLIVER, OF COURSE! COME MEET HIM AND JOIN THE FUN!

STAY TUNED FOR COMING ATTRACTIONS! COME ONE COME ALL!

PERMISSION TO FORWARD.

Wednesday Spotlight with Karenne and the CTR crew

Hello and welcome to Wednesday Spotlight! We all love getting those glowing reviews, winning those fun contests, and chatting it up, right? Today I have a special treat. I am pleased to have Karenne and her crew from Coffee Time Romance & More to chat with us! Karenne has rounded up some of her best staff members and they will be here all day to answer any questions you have. Don’t look now but here they come soaring through space in a coffee mug! Let’s give Karenne and her crew a warm welcome!

Thunderous applause explodes through cyber space as the coffee cup makes a smooth landing on stage, bright lights twinkling in a kaleidoscope of crimson, burnt orange and amber. Karenne steps out, followed by her amazing crew. They wave madly at their adoring fans. Sharon greets the crew with warm cyber hugs. Welcome! It’s a pleasure to have you as my guests today! Make yourselves comfortable on the deck and my butler Oliver will be right out with refreshments. But first, here is a little about the crew:

KARENNE
Hmm, well I am the pushy broad who makes my staff miserable! Lol I am known as the ‘nag-a-nator’. As for personally, I am a SAHM who homeschools her kidos, runs a local childrens’ organization, loves to read, and plays at being a chef!

DELANE
Hi Sharon,
I am a reviewer with Coffee Time Romance part time and full time I am an 18 year
member of the armed forces. I have been with Coffee Time for almost a year and I
love to read. I have been reading since I was a child; the library and book mobile
were my best friends. I am a mother of 5 children; we are truly a his, mine, and
ours family. My oldest two son's now serve their country and my three youngest
are still at home with us. I look forward to answering any questions that come my
way.

KIMBERLY
Hi, I am Kimberly. I am a reviewer with Coffee Time. I am also the Contest Coordinator.
I have been here for a little over a year now.
The reviewing is easy to understand. The contest coordinating involves scheduling
and writing the contests plus monitoring the entries. It is a lot of fun. I'm kind
of a organizational freak so it suits me!!
I have been married to my knight in tarnished armour for almost 16 years. We have
five furbabies and live in Northeastern Oklahoma.

DANIELLE
Hi Sharon, thanks for having us. Your personality is amazing! Let me tell you a little
about
Myself and then get to my duties at CTR. I met my husband in High School but didn’t
Actually start dating him until after we graduated. The sweetest thing is that the
first time he
Saw me he went home and told his mother that he found the woman he was going to marry.
You can actually read our love story on my CTR webpage, it is pretty spectacular.
http://www.coffeetimeromance.com/Reviewers/Danielle.html
. Anyway, my hubby and I got
Married when I was 20 and have now been married for 11 years. We have 2 children.
Our
Son is 9 going on 10 and our daughter is 8 going on 16. LOL. We live in Northern
Michigan
Where there are 3 season. Fall, Winter, and Construction. The only other notable
thing
About me is my father was in the Air Force. I was born in London, England. We then
Moved to Lubbock, TX then to Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada, then to Plattsburgh,
NY.
After my parents divorced my mother and my siblings and I moved to Northern Michigan
Where I have been ever since. I have been to 13 different schools and married a man
Who lived in the same house and went to the same school his whole life. How ironic
is that?
----->My biggest job at Coffee Time Romance is doing book reviews. I do both Ebooks
And print. If it is via Ebook, I use my trusty Ebookwise 1150 to hilight any key
Points within the storyline that may be important for my review. If it is print,
I use a good old fashioned yellow hilighter lol. When I actually do the book reviews,
I try my hardest to be fair and not judge based on whether I like the genre itself
Or not. Instead, I focus on how an author writes, is the story told smoothly, and
Whether it comes together at the end or not. Now, by coming together let me stress
I don't necessarily mean as in a HEA (happy ever after) ending. I have read books
That has a HUGE cliffhanger but I give it a rave review because it just fits. The
Reviews I like best are when I have to read a novel whose genre is something I don't
Care for, and then I find myself loving the story. To me THAT is a great author and
What a spectacular writer should be.
----->Another job I have at CTR is doing author interviews. I just started back in
January and quickly got over my nervousness and butterfly stomach lol. I have to
Say that being able to read an author's book before I do the interview is a HUGE
Plus. And not just because I love to read, but because it does give me some insight
Into their work and how they put a story together. Once I have finished the novel,
I try to shell out between 10 and 15 questions about their book and the life they
Lead in general. Then I send it to them to answer and wait for a reply. Reading the
Answers to my questions is always fun because then you get to see their true personality
Come through. I remember my very first interview was an author whose book was very
Graphic and bloody but her interview was very refreshing and fun to do. It shocked
Me because I assumed that her writing style for the interview would be the same as
Her novel.
----->As you can tell by now, I love to talk. It comes from being the middle child
In a family where everyone is loud lol. One of my favorite jobs is when we do the
Book Brew for the Coffee Crew. This month it was contemporary and next month it is
Erotica. As readers, we get to blog all day about what our favorite books are, even
If they are ones we did not review. This is done the first Monday of each month and
I have to say it keeps my obsession with books fed; especially when I see books that
I haven't heard of that sound really great. Here is the website in case you or anyone
Else is interested:
http://coffeetimeromance.com/CoffeeThoughts/

HOLLIE
Hollie is a mother of 4 beautiful and active children (5 if you count The Smurf...a/k/a
the husband) who works part time in the local primary school. As a member of Coffee
Time Romance & More’s Coffee Crew, Hollie spends her free time reviewing books, interviewing
authors, chatting with other book lovers, and is the Coffee Write Coordinator. Coffee
Write is her new passion which is a wonderful area with a new monthly story that
changes daily with people who introduce their spin and change the story line.
http://www.coffeetimeromance.com/board/forumdisplay.php?f=255

SABRINA
My name is Sabrina and I am the Live Chat Coordinator, Which means I schedule all
the authors who chat with us on Tuesday nights @ 9 PM EST. If you haven’t been to
a live chat, you should give it a shot- we like to have fun in there (bats eyes innocently).
I also help out moderating the forums with an amazing group of ladies. I joined Coffee
Time Romance & More two years ago and have been helping out for about a year and
a half. My favorite part of Coffee Time is interacting with the authors, watching
new authors rise and established authors progress.

CHEROKEE
I am a reviewer at Coffee Time Romance. I get to read books and review them. This
is something that I love doing. I also do interviews at times, too. I love being
a part of Coffee Time Romance. The people are super nice and it is like a huge loving
family. (A lot of the reviewers say Karenne keeps them locked in the basement, but
they must be really secretly hid, because I have found no locked basements. Karenne,
is a super cool person and I enjoy working with her.)

BRENDA
Hi Sharon,
I was born and raised in Texas with a short excursion to the state of Washington.
After graduating from high school and testing the college waters, I joined the Army.
I was in the Women's Army Corps (WAC) in Alabama until I was accepted for Officer
Candidate School. I was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the last WAC Officer
Basic Class. I served at Fort Devens, Massachusetts until the Army started to do
away with the WAC. I was then assigned to Fort Carson, Colorado as a Military Police
officer. While there I served as the first female on Fort Carson to serve as a Company
Commander of a unit containing both women and men. It was the 19th MP Company.
I served in Pirmasens, Germany as the first female Provost Marshal. I left active
duty after serving at Fort Irwin, California and moved back to Texas where 8 years
later, I retired from the Army Reserve. I also worked in Adult Probation and Corrections.
I've never married and have no children. I do have 2 brothers, 1 step-brother, and
1 step-sister. I'm living with Multiple Sclerosis on a ranch and enjoying my 3 dogs,
5 cats, my friends and my garden.
Books are my addiction. I've loved to read since I was in grade school.

MAURA
Hi Sharon,
I am Maura and I have been with Coffee Time as a reviewer for a little less than
four years.
I am married with no children but have three dogs who I train for competitive obedience.
I have been a Deputy Sheriff for twenty years, have a Bachelors degree from Cortland
State and a Masters from NYU, both in psychology.
I am a voracious reader and just love my part time (lol) job as a reviewer.
I live on Long Island way out on the North Fork among the beaches and wineries, which
go great with books.

Sharon: Well there you have it folks, a nice introduction from each of my guests from Coffee Time Romance & More. Now that we’re all settled on our tiki chairs on the terrace overlooking the beach, allow me to ring for my butler/cabana boy. Oh Oliver, come on out. We’re ready for cocktails!

Oliver soars through the rippling waves on his surf board, winking wildly at the ladies. Dressed in his spanking new fluorescent canary yellow speedos, he pumps his grapefruit-size biceps. Ladies, ladies. I’m here to please. May I get y’all a cocktail?

Karenne: (slaps Oliver on the butt) Coffee

Danielle: Hi Oliver. You are as handsome as Sharon said you were. Could you please
get me a Cranberry Soda with a splash of
Vodka please?

Delane: A corona with lime, please.

Kimberly: (Silence as she stares at the gorgeous Oliver) Uh, did you say something? I think an ice cold glass of pink lemonade will work just fine for me. Whew… he is a hot one… I mean, the weather, the weather is warm today!!

Hollie: oh yes please vodka and cranberry juice please

Sabrina: Lemon Drop Martini please

Sharon: Ah…Oliver…bring me a Bloody Mary, please!

Cherokee: Margarita' please

Brenda: Mocha frappachino.

Maura: Gin&Tonic

With a sweeping bow, Oliver appears, balancing a tray of drinks in one hand, snacks in the other. With a wicked wink, he places cocktail napkins down, the drinks and an assortment of snacks. Here we go ladies, popcorn, bridge mix, rippled potato chips and French onion dip made from onion soup, walker crisps, a fresh fruit tray of strawberries, grapes and melons, chocolate covered strawberries, Peanut Butter Cups and Goobers. Y’all just let me know when you need another cocktail and I’ll be right over. Oliver struts off singing, Girls Just Wanna Have Fun.

Sharon: Well now, let’s have a toast. Raises her Bloody Mary to one and all. To Karenne and the staff at Coffee Time Romance & More. Here here! But suddenly FOOTLOOSE blasts over the speakers and Oliver grabs Danielle and takes her for a wild spin around the terrace. Come on hope ya got your dancin’ shoes on, darlin’. Let’s show ‘em how it’s done! Oliver shouts above the chorus of cheers, Everybody cut loose!! With one final spin, he grins broadly.

Danielle: Phew Oliver. You certainly know how to cut a rug don’t you?!

But then the song changes as the disco ball bathes Karenne in a kaleidoscope of flashing lights. Celebration blasts from the cyber speakers and Oliver grabs his partner. Put on those disco shoes, darlin’! He serenades her. Cel e brate good times…come on!! It’s a celebration! Come on!

Karenne: Love Disco! (dances around the beach singing loudly and off key)

Once more the song changes to a favorite punk rock by Bon Jovi. Grinning and clapping his hands, Oliver grabs Sabrina for a spin. Puffing out his chest, he belts it out, It’s my Life!! He struts his stuff, pumping his biceps at Sabrina.

Sabrina: Sabrina: Is trying to be polite and not drool while Oliver is working the floor.
But feels really light headed

But then the music changes to a slower beat and the sound track from Across the Universe blasts. Oliver takes Delane by the hand and pulls her close as he sings in her ear the words to Let It Be. Thunderous applause explodes as Oliver gives a sweeping bow and escorts Delane to her chair. He winks and asks Did I sing it as well as Tim?

Delane: Wow what a knee weakening serenade. You are so talented Oliver (sigh).

Then the music pulsates to a wild beat and Oliver appears with a guitar. He grabs Sharon and yanks her on the bar. They rock it to Walk This Way by Aerosmith. Oliver belts out the lyrics All started with a little kiss…like this…walk this way. The song ends and he plants a big one on Sharon’s lips, blowing kisses to his adoring CTR fans! Ladies, ladies, who wants to be next! Oliver can rock it all night long!

Sharon: Whoo hooo that’s why I hired him!

But then, quick as a wink, Oliver snatches up his trumpet and plays along to the smooth sound of jazz by Chris Botti. And when When I fall in Love comes on, he grabs Kimberly, pulls her close and serenades her. When I fall in love…it will be forever. Then he gives a wild wink to the girls.

Kimberly Ah, a man who can appreciate some of the finer things in life, a slow song, a soft woman and a beautiful day in paradise. I may never leave.

But then a dramatic hush comes across cyber space as Oliver appears in a puff of blue smoke. The thundering organ grinds to The Phantom of the Opera. After a stellar performance, he grabs Hollie, dips her in grand style and does the Foxtrot with her, gazing into her eyes. When the song is over, he kisses her hand and winks. A little bird told me you used to love musicals and classical before the kids.

Hollie: oh my favorite *swoons in traditional English style

Oliver plucks up a white Stetson and plops it on his head. Swaggering his hips, he struts over to Cherokee, casting her a wicked wink. With a devilish smile, he croons it out to George Strait’s Amarillo by Morning. When the song ends, he lassoes her to his chest and bestows his Stetson on her head.

Cherokee: Oh, be still my heart, I think I may be falling in love…

And when 40 Cups of Coffee by Tennessee Ernie Ford blasts on the speaker, Oliver is sweeping Brenda off her feet, twirling and swirling her around with his fancy footwork before pulling her close. And when the song ends, he gazes into her eyes and winks.

Brenda: You Casanova you! What a flirt!

And when the beat pulsates to What I Like About You by the Romantics, Oliver grabs Maura out of her seat and shimmies down, grinning from ear to ear. He pulls her close and whispers in her ear, “Never wanna let you go, make me feel all right!” He ends the song with a wicked wink.

Maura: “After dancing to that song, especially with Oliver who can catch their breath
enough to talk!”

Oliver takes a sweeping bow. Hope y’all enjoyed the music. There’s plenty of cocktails and snacks and we still have dessert.

Sharon: Thank you, Oliver. Now it’s time for the panel of questions. I’ll present three questions. Answer the best you can…and remember. A prize from Bath & Body will be given to the best voted answer by the bloggers. And by the same token, a prize will be given to the best question a blogger asks. Now with no further ado, here they are:

Question Number One: While working at CTR, what is the zaniest event you can remember?

Question Number Two: Who would you like to see jump out of a cake on your birthday and why?

Question Number Three: If you could star in any literary fiction, which would it be and why would you want to be cast in this role?

And for the answers:

Karenne: hmmm, zaniest event…I think it the zaniest events are the eLoop chats on our Erotic Yahoo Group. With erotic authors and readers all talking about sex, books, and prizes, we go nuts! I also love the Latte Lounge events when we get tons of authors in there gabbing back and forth. I love to laugh.

Danielle: Oh boy, the zaniest event I can remember huh? Hold on, this splash of Vodka
has clouded my brain. Oh now I remember. Hollie mentioned earlier that she is the
coordinator for the Coffee Write. Well I like to participate but I don’t consider
myself much of a writer, so I try to cover it up with humor. I wrote a scene where
this girl was trying to get out of sleeping with this man and she suddenly found
this…ahem…sex toy that she used as a pretend knife. I laughed the whole time but
I don’t think the other writers appreciated my sense of humor. The one person I would
love to see jump out of a cake would have to be my all time favorite sexy hero, Hugh
Jackman. As for why, HELLO honey, he is HOT!! Has anyone ever read Sherrilyn
Kenyon’s Hunter novels? I always expect a huge yes and am surprised when people actually
haven’t read them lol. I would love to play Bride from Night Play. Not only was she
plus size, but she could kick some major butt! What more could you ask for a perfect
heroine than a woman who didn’t fit the typical stereotype when it comes to being
pretty bad *ss! Plus she gets to sleep with Vane! Wow baby! LOL.

Kimberly I think the zaniest event would have been my introduction to the Coffee Crew. I thought I would just review books and meet some people in cyberspace. All of a sudden… BOOM, my inbox was filled with some of the most outrageous comments and welcomes. Once I got done laughing and being anxious, I settled in for a long stay. (She blushes and adds) Now I’m the one with some of the outrageous welcomes. My birthday cake… I probably should say my husband, right? That is the correct answer! (looks over her shoulder) But he’s nowhere to be found…Colin Farrell. He’s a sexy Irish bad boy who knows how to have fun. As for a star of literary fiction… hmm… you are going to make me think on that one. Ooh, I got it, Lady Arwen from the Lord of the Rings books. She is so beautiful and kind, yet willing to sacrifice herself for love. To me, it is one of the greatest love stories of all time.

Delane:

The zaniest thing about our outstanding group is the crazy emails that go around. I love how everyone feels free to mention how scared we are of the Mistress beating us or some other crazy punishment. (Sorry mistress, please forgive me)

Oh Lord. Okay the politically correct answer would be my husband but (in a whisper with a wink) I would really love to see a cross between a biker and a cowboy with twinkling blue eyes, long jet black hair, 6’4, muscles everywhere and now I need to stop because well anyway. Can I have one of him, two if you can find them? TWINS! Pretty Please!! (I hope my Mom doesn’t see this, she thinks I am a good girl which I am REALLY)

Okay wow; let’s see I would like to star in a light submissive role. I don’t need someone to tell me what to do outside of the bedroom; I can lead my own life, but in the bedroom a man that takes charge makes me want to GROWL!!! Oh yeah, and if it involved a shape shifter well I would just be in heaven.

Hollie: Zaniest event?? It has to be the Samhain spring showers we had last year on the forum, 4 weeks of nonstop posting. I’m just happy I could take part and didn’t have to juggle the moderating for such a huge event but we did have a lot of fun.

Honestly?? Any of the CTR staff I spend so many hours working with and around them but live too far away to ever get to meet them.

Adela MacAye Roberts is the first (or last) Celtic witch in Lyn Armstrong’s Celtic witch series. Not only does she have an amazing kilt clad Scottish Laird but she goes on to have two amazing children who also have amazing powers.

Sabrina: 1) Hands down, The Live from RT chat in 2008. It was a 4 hour pure crazy event. We
had an author with her lap top having everyone stop by and say hi to us outside the
vampire ball. We got to talk with cover models and amazing authors. Whew that was
fun!
2) If I had to pick anyone to jump out of my cake i think it would have to be Joaquin
Phoenix - Before his funky stage he's in now.
3) This is a hard question. I am going to have to go with Beth from J.R. Ward's
Dark Lover. Let's face it who wouldn't want to be the one who tames big bad Wrath.
mmm Yum!

Cherokee: 1), I am sorry, a zany event doesn’t pop into my head, even though I know there are some there kicking me in the head. I will say the days that Danielle is away, and unable to post, are not as fun as when she is among us. She has this enthusiastic energy around her that just explodes when she sends out a message on the boards, and it always makes my day a bit brighter. Without her posting, as well as Delane, Hollie, and some of the others, the events would be too quiet. I am just glad there are some Coffee Time Reviewers who know how to bring out the zany and bring on the smiles.
2) Please give me Johnny Depp to jump out of the cake…the man can take on any role and deliver one hundred percent. Have him jump from the cake then carry me off to some island where some great adventures will begin.
3)Not sure if this one will count, but the characters in Thelma and Louise…I would want to be Susan Sarandon, and Karenne to be Geena Davis…the only different thing is we certainly would not go driving off the cliff…we would be having a rip-roaring good time, and no doubt get in tons of trouble.

Brenda: 1) The zaniest event I ever attended was off line. Karenne and I attended a convention in Reno. Trying to find authors we wanted to meet and introduce Coffee Time at the same time; was an arch-falling, vericose-vein popping, marithon dash through a hotel whose square footage was at least football field size!
2) Sigh... Is the Marlboro Man still alive? He is hot! I doubt he’d jump out of the cake. He’d probably just reach over; grab me, and lay one on me. That’s all my heart could stand anyway.
3) One of my literary favorites is Robin D. Owens Sorceress of Faith. The heroine is Marian who has powers needed in the alternate world. Magic and flying horses just appeal to me. I think I would enjoy a visit to another world.

Maura:
Pretty much anything in this group can get a little zany.
Our daily emails make me laugh constantly and the Tuesday night live chats can get
very wild.
I just had a birthday and whoever jumps out of that cake would have to be agile and
jump high enough to dodge all those candles!
Elena from Kelley Armstrong’s Otherworld books; who wouldn’t like to be the only
female werewolf, her adventures… and Clayton.

Thank you ladies. I love your answers. Now who’s ready for dessert? Oh, Oliver, come on out with that scrumptious tray of treats.

Oliver swaggers out, wheeling a silver caddy filled with Strawberry and French Vanilla Pudding Cake, rhubarb crumble and custard, chocolate cake with chocolate frosting, caramel bars, cheese cake, pie and oatmeal cookies, tiramisu and steaming pots of coffee and tea. He presents his culinary delights with a devilish wink. And before it has a chance to melt, he rushes a huge dish of coffee ice cream to Brenda and feeds her the first spoonful. Hoots and whistles filter through the air. Oliver preens. Who wants a piece of ice cream cake? He unveils the decadent treat and cuts the first piece for Maura. Now y’all give a shout if you need anything else. It’s been a pleasure. Enjoy!

Sharon: Thank you, Oliver. That brings us to the end of another Wednesday Spotlight. What’s that Oliver? Oh, all right, I’ll ask them. Oliver blushes a deep crimson red. Sharon sighs and turns to her guests. Oliver is requesting that you leave him a coffee crew rating on his performance. It’s up to you, my friends, but if you wish to make Oliver’s day, he will treasure a coffee cup rating. Thank you all for joining me today on Wednesday Spotlight. It’s been a blast.

How many cups does Oliver deserve:
Karenne: (leers at Oliver up and down) sigh, he brings coffee and snacks and turns on the Disco as well as a Disco Ball…5 Cups
Danielle: Oliver honey. I will give you a 4 cup rating. Now now, don’t be upset.
I only give 5 cup ratings to men who do a little strip tease. LOL. I am kinky like
that!
Danielle: Thank you Sharon so much for having me. I loved the questions, your sense
of humor, and Oliver’s amazing dance skills. Now if I could just get him out of his
butler uniform, it would make things that much spicier!

Kimberly: 5 cups with sprinkles, whipped cream (fantasies about Oliver spring to mind), oops, sorry, lost my concentration, oh, and a cherry on top. Thank you, Sharon! This has been so much fun. (Kisses Oliver’s cheek) Thank you, Oliver.

Sabrina: 5 cups perfect!

Holly: With all these goodies and and the wonderful dancing I say defiantly 5 cups

Delane: 5 Cups for the outstanding serenade and cocktail service!!!

Cherokee: I would most certainly give Oliver a 5 cup rating. He is a gentleman by far and knows how to treat ladies, right! He rocks!
And thank you, Sharon, for this wonderful time that we were able to share with you. I adored your questions and your warm personality. You are simply wonderful!

Brenda: Thank you very much for the lovely evening. Oliver, you are a gem. I think you deserve 5 cups if only for the blush!

Maura: Thanks Sharon, Oliver definitely deserves five cups with whipped cream and caramel
on top!

The overwhelmed Oliver passes out cold, a big smile on his face!

Sharon: Well, ladies, you did it. You made cabana boy’s day! Thank you all so very much. Now, relax and party on. Here come the readers and bloggers to ask you questions. And as soon as we can get Oliver to come around, he’ll be at the ready to make more cocktails!

Wednesday Spotlight

Hello Friends and Fellow Bloggers!
Wondering where my Wednesday spotlight guest is today? LOL I'm it! I have my very first booksigning tonight at Magoos Bistro in the North Hills of Pittsburgh, PA. And to make it a memorable occasion, I'm getting my hair and makeup and nails done! Wish me luck. Join me next week--August 19th--when my featured guests will be Karenne and the crew from Coffee Time Romance & More! I promise you it will be a scream. And Oliver my cabana boy has his dancing shoes on. See you then!

Sharon

Guest Blogging today at The Pink Fuzzy Slipper

Good morning! Today I am guest blogging at The Pink Fuzzy Slipper. I am chatting about Echo of a Raven, my narrative non-fiction about my long battle with diabetic retinopathy which led to my blindness. I am raising awareness of diabetes and hope through this book. A portion of proceeds will be donated to JDRF Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation fight for a cure. Diabetes, especially type 1 affects children the hardest. It is my quest to make this world a better place for tomorrow's children, our future. Please come chat with us
The Pink Fuzzy Slipper
www.pinkfuzzyslipperwriters.blogspot.com

Sharon

One Lovely Blog Award

I am pleased to announced fellow Wild Rose author Jane Richardson has given me the 'One Lovely Blog Award. Thank you, Jane. I accept it with gracious pride and consider it a cherished keepsake. Please visit Jane's blog at:
http://janerichardsonhomethoughts.blogspot.com


I must pass this prestigious award to three other blogs. It was such a difficult decision, but here are my choices.

http://authorroastandtoast.blogspot.com/
Author Roast&Toast
A new blog started by five friends to cheer authors on by toasting them with a roast every Friday. We are hoping to continue with the format of the highly acclaimed Book Roast. The friends are:

Sharon Donovan

Miss Mae

Hywela Lyn
Val Pearson

Laurean Brooks

http://yougottareadreviews.blogspot.com/
A fabulous review site that has taken off in the past six months

http://whiterosesinbloom.blogspot.com/
A blog where Faith is the Corner Stone of Love

Please visit these blogs when you have a chance. You won't be sorry.

Wishing you Love and Blessings,

Sharon Donovan
Romantic Suspense with a Twist of Faith
http://www.sharonadonovan.com/
http://sharonadonovan.blogspot.com/
sharonad@comcast.net

Wednesday Spotlight with Margaret Tanner

Hello and welcome to Wednesday Spotlight! My special guest today is friend and fellow Wild Rose author Margaret Tanner. Margaret is here today to chat with us about Holly and the Millionaire. And here is a blurb and excerpt:


HOLLY AND THE MILLIONAIRE
Fleeing from her ruthless English in-laws who are intent on stealing her child, Holly Kirwan boards a flight home to Australia and meets Justin Devereux. They are instantly attracted to each other.
Justin doesn’t want a permanent woman in his life, particularly one with a baby in tow. Holly, still grieving for her soldier husband who was killed in Iraq, doesn’t want to be disloyal to his memory.
Can the young widow and the commitment shy tycoon ever find happiness together?

http://www.thewildrosepress.com/holly-and-the-millionaire-p-765.html

Excerpt

HOLLY AND THE MILLIONAIRE by Margaret Tanner
Justin Devereux fumed as he strode on board the aircraft. Heads would roll over this debacle. If he hadn’t needed to get out of England so urgently, he would have waited for another flight. To hell with the risk of being grounded by a blizzard.
He showed his ticket to the flight attendant. He hadn’t flown in economy class for years, wouldn’t be doing it today if he had any say in the matter, either.
“I’m so sorry about this mix-up, Mr. Devereux. The airline did everything it could to get you a last minute business-class seat, but like first class it was completely booked out.”
Well, you didn’t try hard enough, he nearly said, but bit back the angry words. It wasn’t the flight attendant’s fault that his booking still floated around in cyber space.
“We were able to get you an aisle seat near the front.”
“Thank goodness for that at least.”
On being shown to his seat, he took off his cashmere coat, folded it neatly and stowed it in the overhead locker. If he had even an ounce of luck, the seat beside him would remain empty, but he wouldn’t take bets on it. Setting his briefcase on the floor, he rested his laptop on the vacant seat. What a shocking few hours it had been.
At least it was a little more spacious here. He couldn’t understand why there was extra leg space and only one other seat, when there would be normally at least three, sometimes four jammed together.
Closing his eyes he thought back on the last twenty- four hours. Deanna and Simon had betrayed him. He didn’t care so much about Deanna dumping him for Simon as their relationship had just about run its course.
Running off with millions of dollars of his employees’ pension funds. Now that was something else. Despicable and criminal, and they did it in such a way that the blame fell on him. He was ruthless. He had to be to claw his way to the top of the business world, but he had always acted with integrity. There were only two choices in the short term. Risk tarnishing his good business reputation or discretely pay the money back. He chose the latter.
I’ll hound them to the ends of the earth; I don’t care how long it takes. No one cheats Justin Devereux and gets away with it.
“Hell,” he yelped, as something hard and sharp rammed into his groin. His eyes flew open. God, someone was trying to castrate him.
“S… sorry,” the wavering female voice said.
Justin looked up into a pair of blue eyes that were swimming in tears.
“Here, let me help,” he growled, pushing the weapon away from his crotch and handing it back to her. It’s a wonder they let her bring the thing on board. She took the folded-up baby’s stroller, but dropped a large pink bag onto his foot. Where were the attendants when you needed them? This was definitely going to be the flight from hell.
He watched the girl struggling with the stroller, her handbag and a baby all at the one time. His first thought was she didn’t look old enough to have a baby, his second was how tiny and frail she appeared, with the fine, ice-blonde hair tumbling out of its restraining clip.
“It’s all right, don’t get flustered.” He felt strangely moved by her pale, heart shaped face and trembling lips.
As she reached across his briefcase to sit the baby on the floor a swathe of hair brushed his face, and he smelt a faint elusive perfume. Flowers perhaps? Like enticing fingers, it captured his senses.
Before he could offer to help, she lifted up the pink bag, trying to put it in the overhead locker, but she wasn’t tall enough to reach. As he got up to assist her the bag tilted and a jar of baby food hit him on the head.
This girl was a walking disaster area.
“I…I’m sorry.”
“It’s all right. Accidents happen.” Grimacing, he rubbed his head. “Let me put the bag up for you.” And that lethal pram too, he thought, not wanting to risk being run through again. He valued his manhood too much.
As he stowed everything in the locker, he noticed that the white-haired and blue-eyed baby was playing with his briefcase – its plump little fingers trying to pick the lock.
The girl darted under his arm and scooped up the baby, and sat down as quick as a flash. Thank goodness, he’d be safe for a little while at least.

BIO – MARGARET TANNER
Margaret Tanner is an award winning multi-published Australian author. She loves delving into the pages of history as she carries out research for her historical romance novels, and prides herself on being historically correct. Many of her novels have been inspired by true events, with one being written around the hardships and triumphs of her pioneering ancestors in frontier Australia.

Her favorite historical period is the 1st World War, and she has visited the battlefields of Gallipoli, France and Belgium, a truly poignant experience.

Margaret is a member of the Romance Writers of Australia, the Melbourne Romance Writers Group (MRWG) and EPIC. In 2008 she won Author of the Year at AussieAuthors.com.

Margaret is married and has three grown up sons, and a gorgeous little granddaughter.
Outside of her family and friends, writing is her passion.

Sharon: Let’s have a warm welcome for Margaret Tanner. Welcome Margaret!

Thunderous applause explodes as Margaret bounds across stage on her pet kangaroo. She reaches into the pouch and removes a hot off the press copy of Holly and the Millionaire. Margaret blows kisses to her fans and gives her hostess a warm embrace before sitting on the Victorian sofa of mint green silk on claw foot legs.

Sharon: Make yourself comfortable, Margaret and let me call my butler to serve us tea and Potato crisps while we chat. Oliver, we’re ready for refreshments.

Oliver wheels out the sterling silver caddy with a porcelain tea set and delicate floral tea cups. He pours and uncovers the potato crisps, freshly fried and steaming with mouth-watering appeal. Ah, thank you, Oliver. That will be all until I order the dessert. So isn’t this grand, Margaret? We get to visit on cyber stage across the world.

Margaret: Thank you for inviting me to not only visit you blog but to partake of tea. “Earl Grey I hope, Oliver?”

Oliver blushes and nods as he expertly pours, sneaking quick peeks at Margaret.

Sharon: Ah, that will be all, Oliver. So, Margaret, do tell us about living in Australia. I know you and I have talked a bit about the kangaroo. And you’ve told me there are two different types. Can you tell readers about them?

Margaret: Well there are actually several varieties. A wallaby is a small kangaroo, probably a cousin to the larger ones. We have red and gray kangaroos. The babies who live in their mothers’ pouch are called Joeys. Some male kangaroos can grow over 6 feet in height. The males can be very aggressive, they have been known to kill a man. Sometimes kangaroos are called ‘boomers’ because as they hop along they hit the ground so hard they make a booming noise.

Margaret’s pet “Boomer” demonstrates by hopping on command.

Sharon: Hastily assures her gasping audience that Boomer is not the vicious male type of kangaroo who is on the attack. And for you animal lovers, another unique to Australia is the Koala bear. They are so cute and adorable. Can you tell us a bit about them? Are they shy? Have you ever had the opportunity to get close to one?

Margaret: Ooh Sharon, you aren’t supposed to call them koala bears, just koalas. I don’t know that much about them, although I have seen them up close. They give the impression that they are half asleep all the time. They eat only a certain type of eucalyptus (gum) leaf, and this makes them drowsy. They carry their young on their back.

Sharon: You have so many books published by The Wild Rose Press and Whiskey Creek and your reviews are always outstanding. And like me, you are also a medical transcriptionist. Where do you find the time to get your writing in? The chatting on all the Yahoo loops? And all the promoting?

Margaret: I really don’t know where I get the time, but somehow I do, but really, there are never enough hours in the day for me.

Sharon: Well, my hat is certainly off to you. Can you tell us about a typical day in the life of Margaret Tanner? What inspires you to keep going at this pace?

Margaret: Get up out of bed, shower, have breakfast, check my e-mails, trot off to work, type out radiology reports. I am an expert on boobs, as I type up heaps of mammography and breast ultrasound reports. What inspires me, the love of writing. Come home, hubby, bless his little heart, has dinner ready for me, we eat, I do dishes (well you can’t have everything), then I’m up on the computer for a couple of hours, then if I am real lucky I can go to bed. I feel like I’m on a round about going nowhere fast, sometimes, but it is exhilarating.

Sharon: LOL Margaret. We are very honored to have a boob expert with us today! But all kidding aside, I’ve also typed my share of mammography reports and mammograms are something all women need to do. Now let’s talk about Holly and the Millionaire. It takes place in Iraq. Tell us about the research, the setting and about the heroine and hero of this book.

Margaret: I didn’t need to do much research. My youngest son has been in the army, so I got some information from him, and the newspapers are full of the war in Iraq. I actually got the idea for the story when I was flying back to Australia from London, after visiting my oldest son who lives over there. A good deal of the story is set in Melbourne where I live, so I tried to imagine how Holly would feel, all alone in the world, with just her baby, and running from her husband’s ruthless parents who want the baby but not her, and who will stoop to anything to get the child. How devastating and frightening that would be for Holly, especially as her husband was barely cold in his grave. I wanted to make Justin the opposite. Wealthy, confident, ruthless to a point, but underneath that hard exterior, a man with a heart, who falls in love with Holly and her baby but doesn’t realize how much he cares until he almost loses them.

Sharon: Well God bless your son. You write the most interesting and heart-felt stories and this is no exception. You must be so proud to have won so many awards and such prestige in the writing world. What kind of emotions do such honors evoke in you?

Margaret: You are too kind Sharon. I don’t know about prestige in writing. I feel pleased of course, but humble also. It is gratifying to know that people enjoy your stories. Makes all the years of hard slog worth it.

Sharon: It certainly does, doesn’t it? Now do new storylines just pop into your head—or do you have to be inspired by something in particular as a trip or flashing headlines on the media?

Margaret: I don’t need to be inspired by anything, the ideas just pop into my head, sometime at really weird times.

Sharon: Well I do believe it’s time for dessert. Oh Oliver, do bring that scrumptious plum pudding out, the Christmas variety I ordered.

Oliver comes out with the dessert in two Waterford cut glass dessert plates. He winks wildly at Margaret and refills her tea.

Sharon: Holds out her empty teacup as Oliver stands over Margaret, poised at the ready to be at her beck and call. Sharon clears her throat. Ah, Oliver, did you forget about your boss?

Oliver takes a sweeping bow and snaps a crisp linen napkin, grinning broadly and blushing wildly while presenting it to Margaret. Then he stutters. May I have your autograph, Ms. Tanner? He blushes a deep crimson red.

Margaret: “Certainly Oliver, my pleasure.” Margaret signs the linen napkin with a flourish, presses it to her crimson painted lips and leaves an imprint of her mouth on the white linen, then hands it back to Oliver, whose eyes glaze over, then he touches it to his lips.

Sharon: Ah…any time you’re through flirting with my guest, Oliver, I wouldn’t mind a refill of tea and why is it you never asked me for an autograph in all the time you’ve been my butler?

Oliver holds the autograph of Margaret Tanner to his heart and stumbles away, mumbling to himself.

Sharon: Good help is so hard to find. But if you’re in the market for a butler, you can take Oliver. He obviously has quite a crush on you.

Margaret: No thanks. I couldn’t afford him. I am, after all, only a poor writer.

Sharon: LOL! Now back to our interview. Where were we. Ah, yes. What is the message you want readers to walk away with after reading Holly and the Millionaire? Or for that matter, what is the message you hope to leave on this earth? What footprint do you want to leave as your own imprint?

Margaret: I want them to be inspired. To never give up on their dream and know that it is better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all, and that we are all deserving of a second chance.

Thunderous applause explodes through cyber space.

Sharon: Well said, Margaret!So now let’s dish, girlfriend. Who is Margaret Tanner? Who are you and tell us something we might never guess about you?

Margaret: I am a proud 5th generation Aussie. My forebears were pioneers. They came to Australia from England and Scotland, and suffered great hardship as they fought to tame what was once a savage, inhospitable land. They survived the tyranny of distance, floods, fires and their sons fought wars in foreign lands and some paid for it with their lives. It made them strong and resilient and I hope that I have inherited some of these traits.

Audience stands up and cheers wildly!!!

Only to you, Sharon, my friend, would I confess to this. I dye my hair. There you have it, my deep dark secret, that would normally not be wrenched out of me even under torture.

Sharon: I feel so honored you shared that with me, Margaret! And just between us girls, I’ve been known to dabble a wee bit with the hair paint my own self, but don’t tell anyone! And being Irish, I’m very superstitious. I love legends and lore and keep a collection of traditions from different countries, especially holiday traditions or silly superstitions. Can you share a few superstitions with us? Or a favorite Australian tradition near and dear to your heart?

Margaret: Now superstitions – my mother was a great one for them. Did you know, that it is extremely bad luck to bring wattle (that is our national flower), into your home, some older people call it the flower of death. And it is reasonable when you think about it. The little golden balls of fluff that constitute the flower of the wattle, has a high pollen count, it would be deadly I should imagine if you were an asthmatic, especially in the old days when there was no Ventolin pumps or inhalers.

Sharon: I’ve never heard that one. Thanks, Margaret. I’ll add it to my list. And finally, my three questions. If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be and why? If you could star in any literary fiction, which would it be and why? And who would you want playing your romantic hero?

Margaret: Australia because I love it. Gone with the wind. And Rhett Butler please.

Sharon: Excellent answers. And I’m a gonner for Gone with the Wind, a true classic as far as I’m concerned. Margaret, it’s been a pleasure. Thank you for being my special guest today on Wednesday Spotlight. I do hope you’ll come back. Can you tell readers where they can buy Holly and the Millionaire and the rest of your delightful books?

Margaret:
http://www.thewildrosepress.com/holly-and-the-millionaire-p-765.html

http://www.whiskeycreekpress.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=536

Thank you for having me here Sharon, I enjoyed my visit, and would love to call in and see you again.